Thursday, March 3, 2016

Source of Gas Smell In West Melbourne and Palm Bay Found

MELBOURNE, Florida - Residents of south Brevard County who were smelling a natural gas odor last week can breathe a little easier. That's because authorities have located the source of the gas leak.

According to Central Florida News 13, Brevard County Fire Rescue hazardous material crew inspected an old propane tank that was leaking Ethanethiol on Arizona Street in Melbourne, Florida. Officials expect the odor to linger for several weeks or even months.

The strong smell of gas last week flooded 911 operators to the point that the City of Palm Bay Police Department asked residents to stop calling the emergency line about the gas odor.

"Emergency services officials are aware of the odor. At this time the Brevard County Sheriff’s office has determined that the odor is originating from the City of Melbourne and they are actively investigating to identify the source," the Palm Bay Police Department posted on its Facebook page. "We ask that residents please refrain from calling the Palm Bay Police Department regarding the odor to avoid inundating the emergency services lines."